I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Loose Dental Implants - How Do They Loosen And How Can The Problem Be Fixed?

29 November 2016

Alfred Kelley

Dental implants are often quite successful in permanently replacing missing teeth in an aesthetically pleasing way. Even though success rates are as high as 98%, you may experience some difficulties as the implant ages. A loose implant tooth is one of these problems. Keep reading to learn about this problem and how it can be fixed.

Why Does A Dental Implant Loosen?

Dental implants are permanently secured devices, but they are not made from a singular solid device. Dental implants are actually made from three separate parts or pieces. These parts include the implant root, the abutment, and the crown tooth. The implant is a long screw with a hole on top. The abutment is a screw as well that fits into the top of the implant root, and the artificial tooth attaches to the abutment. Once the crown is attached and the abutment is ready to be screwed down in place, cotton is packed around the tapered end of the device. This helps to keep the abutment in place without unscrewing.

While the cotton and the tight fit of the abutment may be enough to keep your artificial tooth secured, the cotton may break down. The tapers along the abutment may also start to wear away with consistent and constant pressure. When this happens, the implant tooth will loosen.

How Is A Loose Implant Fixed?

Thankfully, the entire implant device does not need to be replaced when the tooth becomes loose. Only the abutment and the crown will need to be replaced. Since the abutment can be hard to remove, your dentist may need to drill through the middle of the crown to access the abutment head. Once the head is revealed, the abutment can be screwed up and out of place. A new abutment will be secured and a new crown will be made for the tooth.

Once the crown is made, your dentist will attach the tooth to the new abutment. To make sure that the new abutment is as secure as possible, your dentist may choose to pack more cotton around the abutment. Some dental professionals will also choose to use gutta percha to secure the abutment and others will use untraditional materials like plumber's tape.

Your dentist may also try to determine if you have placed too much pressure on the implant tooth. For example, tooth grinding may have caused abutment damage. To prevent future issues, a grinding guard may be created for you to wear at night.